State of Washington

Description
South Yakima Conservation District (South Yakima CD or SYCD) is a special purpose district located in Zillah, WA in the heart of the lower Yakima Valley. SYCD collaborates with landowners and land managers to help them manage their land’s natural resources. Natural resources include soil, water, air, plants, animals, energy, and human considerations. SYCD provides technical assistance to address resource concerns through the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) that help protect natural resources and promote sustainable land use. SYCD is one of 45 conservation districts in Washington under the coordination of the Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC).
SYCD has a broad range of programs involving planning and technical assistance, including (but not limited to) dairy and livestock nutrient management planning, irrigation efficiencies, riparian habitat enhancement, shrub steppe habitat rehabilitation and fire suppression, and soil health. These programs receive public funding through various sources such as grant funds. SYCD is also part of the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area (LYV GWMA or GWMA) implementation committee and Yakima County Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP). GWMA’s goal is to reduce nitrate concentrations in groundwater, and VSP seeks to protect critical areas on agricultural lands. SYCD also offers cost-share funding and technical expertise to landowners for projects that involve implementation of BMPs.
Position Objectives
The Resource Conservation Planner (RCP) or Technician (RCT) is a full-time position that will work with the rest of the SYCD staff as a team to address natural resource concerns by providing direct one-on-one technical assistance to private landowners and other participants within the district boundaries. This position entails working closely with other agencies and organizations, including other conservation districts, Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE), and many others. The RCT or RCP will also assist with farm/conservation planning, implementation of BMPs, and providing education and outreach to local landowners, land managers, agencies, partners, and the community.
Duties
Duties And Responsibilities
<ul>
<li>Promote the organization, role, mission, goals, and programs of the Conservation District as identified in SYCD’s annual and 5-year plans and following RCW 89.08.</li>
<li>Undergo training to become a Certified Conservation Planner (Level 3 Conservation Planner) or higher as well as to advance knowledge of local and statewide natural resources. Training settings include classroom, online, field, and on-the-job training.</li>
<li>Assist in developing and writing conservation plans, such as nutrient management plans, irrigation water management plans, farm plans and all habitat enhancement or rehabilitation plans as projects develop, etc.</li>
<li>Assist district staff and partners in promoting cost-share assistance programs.</li>
<li>Lead, work with stakeholders and field crews in performing activities such as soil sampling, planting, monitoring, etc.</li>
<li>Organize and plan education and outreach activities with staff and other agencies for landowners and the community such as field days, demonstrations, presentations, workshops, etc.</li>
<li>Attend monthly Board Meetings and provide a verbal progress report to the Board of Supervisors as needed.</li>
<li>Attend other regular meetings related to district programs.</li>
<li>Participate in committees and in special groups as assigned.</li>
<li>Know and comply with all District Personnel Policies.</li>
<li>Perform other tasks as assigned by the District Manager.</li>
</ul>
Qualifications
Qualifications and Requirements
<ul>
<li>A bachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement.</li>
<li>A solid background in natural resource sciences, Washington agriculture, and/or systems such as irrigation, soil and water conservation principles, and water quality concerns.</li>
<li>Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and have a valid Washington State driver’s license.</li>
<li>Fluent in the English language. Ability to understand and communicate in Spanish is not required but is a plus.</li>
<li>Passion for learning and willingness to continue building upon your knowledge and skills.</li>
<li>Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills along with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders</li>
<li>Ability to maintain a professional work ethic while completing all duties assigned in a timely manner.</li>
<li>Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as in groups.</li>
<li>High level of collaboration with partners is expected, including agricultural professionals, landowners, and the community.</li>
<li>High degree of diplomacy and confidentiality.</li>
<li>Ability to walk long distances in all types of terrain with possible exposure to inclement weather; lifting and carrying equipment and materials (with reasonable accommodation).</li>
<li>Understanding of basic computer programs such as Word and Excel. A basic knowledge of Google Earth, GIS software, and/or other mapping tools is a plus.</li>
<li>Knowledge of Conservation Districts and/or Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a plus, along with other agriculture- and natural resource-related fields of study, instruction, or work experience.</li>
<li>Prior to employment with South Yakima Conservation District, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered to determine suitability and competence to perform in the position.</li>
</ul>
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions
<ul>
<li>Schedule: Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM</li>
<li>Work Setting: Work is performed both indoors at the field office in Zillah, WA and in the field usually within the district boundary. Some fieldwork will include onsite visits with landowners, district staff, other cooperators and agency partners.</li>
<li>Travel Requirements: Occasional travel is an expectation and may be required on a regular basis within the district’s boundaries. Some out-of-area travel may occur for conferences or training.</li>
<li>Tools and Equipment: Involves general office equipment as well as field tools and equipment, such as company vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, utility trailers, soil sampling equipment, and irrigation water management equipment.</li>
</ul>
Salary And Benefits
Full-Time Employee $3,400 – $5,400 per month dependent on education, experience, and qualifications.
<ul>
<li>Federal and State holidays</li>
<li>Paid overtime</li>
<li>Stipend for medical insurance premiums</li>
<li>Accrued annual leave and sick leave</li>
<li>403(b) retirement program employer contributes (employee-managed)</li>
</ul>
How To Apply
Please provide a cover letter including your contact information along with your resume with work experience. Submit information via email to South Yakima Conservation District Manager Rodney Heit (<a href="mailto:rh@sycd.us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">rh@sycd.us</a>) and to Savannah Crnick (<a href="mailto:sc@sycd.us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">sc@sycd.us</a>).
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read About Our Benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note:
If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note:
Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information
.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note:
Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt
employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026

Resource Conservation Planner (RCP) or Technician/Planner Apprentice (RCT)

Resource Conservation Planner (RCP) or Technician/Planner Apprentice (RCT)

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